fielding average
Definition
Noun: - A statistical measure in baseball: A number calculated to evaluate a defensive player's (fielder's) effectiveness. It represents the ratio of successful defensive plays (assists and putouts) to the total number of defensive opportunities (chances).
Usage
The term "fielding average" is used specifically in the context of baseball statistics to quantify defensive reliability. - It is a key metric for comparing fielders. - A higher "fielding average" indicates a lower frequency of errors.
Examples
- The shortstop led the league with a fielding average of .985.
- His fielding average dropped after he committed two errors in the game.
- Coaches analyze a player's fielding average to assess defensive consistency.
Advanced Usage
- "to have a fielding average of [number]": To possess a specific calculated defensive performance metric.
- The veteran first baseman has a career fielding average of .996.
- In sabermetrics (advanced baseball statistics), "fielding average" is considered a traditional and somewhat limited metric, as it does not account for a fielder's range or the difficulty of plays.
Variants and Related Words
- Fielding percentage: This is a synonymous term for "fielding average" and is more commonly used in modern baseball statistics.
- Assist (n): A defensive play where a fielder helps to put out a batter or runner.
- Putout (n): A defensive play that directly results in an out.
- Error (n): A defensive mistake, which negatively impacts the "fielding average."
- Chance (n): In baseball statistics, a defensive opportunity (total of assists, putouts, and errors).
Synonyms
- Fielding percentage: The direct synonym.
- Defensive efficiency rating: A broader, more modern statistical category, though not a direct synonym.
Related Phrases
- To calculate the fielding average: The formula is (Assists + Putouts) / (Assists + Putouts + Errors).
- You can calculate his fielding average by adding his assists and putouts, then dividing by his total chances.
Noun
-
(baseball) a measure of a fielder's performance; the number of assists and putouts divided by the number of chances
